Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning a large specimen comprises a specimen holder to support the specimen, an optical system to focus an image of a series of parallel object planes onto one of a two dimensional detector array, multiple linear arrays, multiple TDI arrays and multiple two-dimensional arrays. The detector array has a detector image plane that is tilted relative to the series of object planes in a scanned direction to enable a series of image frames of the specimen to be obtained in order to produce a three-dimensional image of at least part of the specimen with data from each row of the image frame representing a different plane in the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: An instrument for scanning a specimen has a two-dimensional sensor array, the sensor array containing a mosaic colour filter array or a scanning colour filter array. The instrument can be operated in fluorescence or in brightfield. The scanning colour filter array has the same colour throughout each row with adjacent rows having different colours.

Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning at least a portion of a large specimen preferably causes the specimen to move relative to a two-dimensional detector array at a constant speed. The detector array takes one image of the specimen for each line that the detector moves. A controller controls a shutter of the detector array to open to take images and to pass the images to a processor, which is preferably a computer. The instrument takes one partial image of each part of the specimen that is being scanned and then combines those images with other images to produce a contiguous image.

Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning a large specimen supported on a specimen holder has a plurality of illumination sources with each illumination, source being focused on a different focus spot of the specimen simultaneously. There are a plurality of spectrally resolved detectors to receive light reflected or emitted from the different focus spots simultaneously with each spectrally resolved detector receiving light from one illumination source only.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive, simple, compact, optical relay for use primarily with scanning beam imaging systems. More specifically, it can be used as an optical interconnect between scanning mirrors and between a scanning mirror and imaging optics such as a microscope objective. The optical relay, also known as an optical telescope or coupler, consists of two eyepieces forming an afocal assembly. A beam pivoting about a stationary point in the first focal plane of the first eyepiece will be relayed through the optical system such that it pivots about a stationary point at the second focal plane of the second eyepiece. In the preferred embodiment a collimated beam pivots about the first focal point of the first eyepiece as it enters the optical relay, and exits the optical relay with the same beam diameter and scan angle (opposite sign) pivoting about the second focal point of the second eyepiece.

Abstract: A confocal scanning beam optical imaging or mapping system for macroscopic samples is disclosed, in which an expanded laser beam passes through a scan system and a telecentric laser scan lens focuses the beam to a moving spot in the sample. Light reflected (or emitted) from the illuminated spot is collected by the laser scan lens, descanned by the scan system, and detected by a confocal detector. Confocal transmitted-light and non-confocal versions are also disclosed. This new scanning beam laser imaging system performs a rapid scan of a large sample with optical image slicing capability (using the confocal detector). Applications include fluorescent imaging of large biomedical specimens, including fluorescent gels, photoluminescence mapping of semiconductor samples, etc.